Changing concepts and controversies in the management of mandibular fractures.

The successful treatment of mandibular fractures and the avoidance of complications ultimately depends on sound surgical judgment. Judgments are influenced by an array of variables. Location, degree of complexity or displacement of the fracture, state of dentition, patient cooperativeness, presence of other maxillofacial trauma, and the surgeon's experience and expertise are some of these factors. We have attempted to outline the basic tenets of mandibular fracture management, recognizing that some areas remain controversial. It is hoped that as technology continues to improve, we will have the luxury of being more dogmatic about our approaches to these problems.